lavatory
- 01 B1 Intermediate
a polite or formal word for a toilet, or the room that contains it.
a room containing a toilet, or the toilet fixture itself. Often used as a formal euphemism in British English or on aircraft.
Simple“The flight attendant showed the passenger where the nearest lavatory was located.”
In context“The historic building's original plans included a small lavatory on each floor, though these have since been modernised for public use.”
UsageIn American English, 'restroom' is more common; 'lavatory' is frequently seen on signs in airplanes and trains.
- 02 C2 Proficiency
a bowl or sink used for washing your face and hands.
a vessel or basin used for washing, particularly in a religious or formal historical context.
Simple“The monk used a stone lavatory to wash his hands before the ceremony.”
In context“The cathedral's cloister features a beautifully preserved medieval lavatory where the brothers once performed their daily ablutions.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is rare in modern conversation; learners will mostly encounter it in historical literature or descriptions of old architecture.
From Middle English lavatorie, from Late Latin lavātōrium, from Latin lavāre (“to wash”) + -ium (forming places related to an activity). As a place to pan gold, via Spanish lavadero. Doublet of lavatorium and laver. See also lave.
From Latin lavātōrius.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.